The obvious explanation for the document dump over the past day is Romney and the establishment wanting to kill Newt. A more complicated explanation, would be political jujitsu by Newt, aiming for another first question, from John King, debate win. Only Newt could be clever enough to pull it off, but don’t be surprised if the first question is on all that’s been dumped and if Newt launches his return to space by putting King’s question into orbit. As Rush pointed out the concept of Newt not supporting Reagan doesn’t fit our general memory of those events, thus is a hard sell and potentially something that can be turned against its sellers. Some of the other potential lines of attack Newt might only be able to foul off, so if he thinks he can hit this one he might prefer it.
Surely you don’t believe that Newt orchestrated this smear on himself so as to set up another debate home run? That is a stretch beyond all credulity.